Try the flavorful Italian pasta salad recipe featuring rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and a flavorful dressing. Try this delicious Italian Pasta Salad.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves chopped
For the dressing Italian Pasta Salad
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste for the Italian Pasta Salad
Instructions
1/ Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
2/ Use large bowl mixed the cooked pasta cherry tomatoes cucumber red onion, black olives mozzarella cheese basil and parsley.
3/ On another hand take small bowl add some olive oil red wine vinegar minced garlic Dijon mustard dried oregano salt and pepper to make the dressing.
4/ Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
5/ Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6/ keep bowl close wrap with plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to mix together.
7/ Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serving Italian pasta salad
Serve chilled and enjoy the delicious Italian Pasta Salad!
This Italian pasta salad is perfect for picnics potlucks or as a refreshing side dish for any occasion.
Tips and Tricks to Elevate your Italian Pasta Salad
Read the recipe thoroughly: Before you start cooking, carefully read the entire recipe to understand the steps involved and gather all the necessary ingredients. This will help you avoid surprises and ensure a smoother cooking process.
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop vegetables, measure out spices, and prepare any marinades or sauces before you begin cooking.
Maintain a clean and organized workspace: Keep your cooking area tidy and organized. This will make it easier for you to find ingredients tools and utensils as you cook. Plus cleaning as you go will prevent a pile up of dishes at the end.
Taste as you cook: Regularly taste your dishes as you go along. This allows you to adjust the seasoning and flavors to your liking cooking is an art and your taste buds are the ultimate judge.
Use quality ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh high quality ingredients. They can make a significant difference in the flavor and overall outcome of your dish.
Invest in essential kitchen tools: Having a well equipped kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable. Invest in quality knives, pots, pans, and utensils that will make your cooking experience easier and more efficient.
Learn and practice knife skills: Proper knife skills can greatly enhance your efficiency and safety in the kitchen. Take the time to learn and practice basic cutting techniques, such as dicing, mincing, and julienning.
Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different herbs spices. They can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary. Start with small amounts and taste as you go to find your preferred balance.
Control the heat: Understand the heat levels of your stove or oven. Adjust the flame or temperature accordingly to avoid burning or undercooking your food. Practice regulating heat for different cooking techniques, such as sautéing, simmering, or roasting.
Embrace mistakes and learn from them: Not every dish will turn out perfectly, and that’s okay! Embrace the learning process and view mistakes as opportunities to improve. Adjust recipes, flavors, or techniques based on your experience.
Remember cooking is a journey, and the more you practice the more skilled you’ll become. Enjoy the process be open to learning and savor the delicious results of your culinary creations. Enjoy the Italian Pasta Salad recipe at home.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for Italian pasta salad can vary depending on the specific ingredients and recipe used. Below is a general breakdown of the nutrition facts for a typical Italian pasta salad based on common ingredients. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and ingredient choices:
Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240 grams)
Calories: Around 250-300 calories
Total Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
Saturated Fat: Approximately 2-3 grams
Cholesterol: Around 10-20 milligrams
Sodium: Around 300-400 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40 grams
Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-4 grams
Sugars: Around 2-4 grams
Protein: Approximately 7-10 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Italian Pasta salads often contain various vegetables, which can contribute to vitamin and mineral content. Common vegetables used include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives.
Additional Notes
The nutrition facts will depend on the type of pasta used (e.g., regular pasta, whole wheat pasta).
The dressing used (e.g., Italian dressing) can vary in terms of fat and sodium content.
Cheese, if added, will increase the fat and protein content.
Protein content can also be affected by the inclusion of ingredients like grilled chicken salami or other protein sources.
Homemade pasta salads allow you to control the ingredients and make healthier choices such as using whole wheat pasta and reducing the amount of high fat or high sodium components like cheese and dressings.
